KATY Trail
Rendezvous 1: September 8-14, 2024 Rendezvous 2: September 15-21, 2024Historically, this tour filled quickly, so now we are offering it twice. We strongly suggest you register well in advance to secure your slot.
Bubba’s PAMPERED Pedalers is offering a challenging and traffic free week-long bike tour along the KATY Trail State across greater Missouri. The bicycle vacation will start in historic St. Charles, Missouri, on Sunday and conclude on Saturday, 239 miles later , in Clinton, Missouri. At the end of your ride, you and your bicycle will be comfortably transported back to St. Charles. Also new in the 2024 tour is the inclusion of your first night accommodation (only hotel & without dinner) in the tour price.
KATY Trail Bike Tour–Here’s what to expect…
The KATY Trail is one of the longest and continuous Rails to Trails in the USA. It’s packed with scenic views and historical markers along the way. Remnants of the old Missouri, Kansas and Texas (MKT) railroad still loom along the trail while cycling through charming small agriculture communities of the Show Me state. We cannot stress it enough that this is a fully dedicated bicycle trail unencumbered by traffic, at points, the trail crosses minor roads, but these are well marked and virtually risk free. It’s a ride and not a race. We encourage riders to take their time and to maintain a leisurely pace. We’ll be offering twice daily SAGS to keep you hydrated and fed as well.
Embarking on the KATY Trail Tour:
Nestled near the trail in historic St. Charles, our host hotel sets the stage for the KATY Trail adventure. Enjoy the added perk of lodging on Sunday, now seamlessly integrated into the registration fee. Please note that accommodation for Saturday night at the tour’s conclusion is not included.
Rider check-in and the meeting are scheduled for Sunday at around 2 pm, and worry not about parking—free long-term parking is readily available for our riders.
Day 1, Monday
Our ride starts early on Monday. We will assemble at the notorious Frontier Park and on the first day you’ll cycle 35 miles west to Dutzow. During the day, riders will pass Defiance, where Daniel Boone lived the last years of his full life and was known for rendering fair decisions on local disputes while sitting under the spreading branches of the massive Judgment Tree.
At the end of the ride in Dutzow riders will be shuttled to nearby Washington. This is the only day where you’ll be shuttled. All other days, riders cycle to the accommodations where your bags will await you pre-positioned in your rooms.
Day 2, Tuesday
It’s an easy 30-mile pedal to McKittrick, then another two miles into Hermann, where the tour will overnight Tuesday. Hermann, voted the “best small city for a weekend getaway” by AAA members, features many historic B&Bs and hotels (over 150 buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places) plus an eclectic array of antique stores and specialty shops.
Day 3, Wednesday
Wednesday’s tour will take you about 47 miles from Hermann to Jefferson City, the charming capital of Missouri. Founded in 1839, this picturesque town offers a blend of wineries, parks, museums, and historical sites. While exploring Jefferson City, don’t miss the opportunity to admire the remarkable artwork gracing the state capital. The captivating pieces contribute to the city’s rich cultural tapestry, providing a unique and enriching experience for visitors.
Day 4, Thursday
On Thursday, the group pedals 53 miles down the trail to Boonville. Many say that the scenery around Rhineland is the gem of the ride, where the Missouri river is vast and fast. Boonville is yet another quaint river town packed with stylish old homes, unique shops and the historic Hotel Frederick. The “Fred” was built in 1905 and has boasts an appropriate sense of history, highlighted by a cozy old school lobby and a 1920s style full bar. Recently ownership has fully refurbished this gem of a hotel, rooms are a blend of old and new that hearkens back to their former splendor. Dinner and breakfast will be in the hotel’s top-notch restaurant.
Day 5, Friday
From Boonville, Day 5, the trail meanders 36 miles through woods and small towns towards Sedalia. The group will spend the night in the historic town center at the Hotel Bothwell. It was opened in 1927 and is rumored to have a ghost or two keeping an eye on the elegant rooms. Sedalia was incorporated in 1860 and boomed along with the railroad. Earlier, Osage and Shawnee tribes also called the area home. Dinner and breakfast will be served in the hotel’s dining room.
Day 6, Saturday
The final stretch, Saturday, rolls 38 miles to Clinton to the conclusion of the ride. Highlights include the Bicentennial caboose, where sadly well snap our tour’s final group photo. Once you finish the ride, we will provide a shower option, as well as a light lunch. Riders will then be shuttled back to St Charles and typically we arrive around 3pm.
Trip details are subject to change.
Additional Information
Will be arriving back into St Charles late afternoon Saturday. Do not book outgoing flights before 9 PM on that day to ensure ample travel time.
Showers will be available (however, no toiletries) in Clinton, at the end of the tour.
The KATY Trail is a very well maintained crushed limestone trail void of vehicle traffic. Even though not required, bike fenders will keep you and your bike cleaner.
The KATY Trail is almost completely free from potential hazards. That said, a bike helmet is required to be worn at all times while on this tour.
Participants must have the knowledge, willingness and proper tools to change a flat bicycle tire.
Dinner on Sunday will be on your own, several restaruants are within walking distance of the host hotel.
KATY Trail | ||||||
DAILY MILEAGE | ||||||
DAY 1 | DAY 2 | DAY 3 | DAY 4 | DAY 5 | DAY 6 | |
From | St Charles | Dutzow | Herman | Jefferson City | Boonville | Sedalia |
To | Dutzow | Herman | Jefferson City | Boonville | Sedalia | Clinton |
Miles | 35mi | 30mi | 47mi | 53mi | 36mi | 38mi |
Ascent | 269 ft | 331 ft | 364 ft | 656 ft | 948 ft | 249 ft |
Descent | 230 ft | 292 ft | 266 ft | 555 ft | 696 ft | 351 ft |
Note: Please be advised that all BPP bicycle vacations include daily options for reduced mileage. Prior to each days ride, typically the evening before, you will be notified about choices for the day (two shortened variants) and necessary arrangements will be made to accommodate your preferences.
Note: Daily Mileage Subject To Change
KATY Trail | ||
PRICES 2024 | ||
PACKAGE TYPE PER RIDER | Early Bird Rate thru 1 June | Regular Price |
Single | $3150 | $3450 |
Double | $2550 | $2795 |
Triple | $2325 | $2550 |
Quad | $2250 | $2400 |
Take advantage of Early Bird pricing and register ASAP!
Pricing is based on receipt of registration and deposit. Mail-in registration/payment must be postmarked by the stated early bird date. Online payment must be received before date the date stated.
Note: Double/Triple/Quad rate is only available to those sharing a single room with two beds.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the dates for KATY Trail 2024?
Due to widespread demand we are offering the tour twice. There is no difference in the package\plans of either ride.
Rendezvous 1: Sept 8-14, 2024
Rendezvous 2: Sept 15-21, 2024
I will be flying in. What is the closest airport?
St Louis International Airport is the closest airport.
I will be driving. What can I do with my vehicle while on tour?
The host hotel offers free long-term parking.
What type of bike should I bring?
The tour will be riding on crushed stone. For comfort it’s recommended that tires should be puncture resistant and a minimum of 32mm in width.
Who is the recommended outfitter for bicycle rentals?
Riders must make their own arrangements for bike rental. Reference Bubba’s Pampered Pedalers.
Bike Stop Cafe, 701 S Riverside Dr, St Charles, MO 63301
Tony (314) 973-4422 or Jodi (314)-620-1491
Where is the starting point \ host hotel?
Comfort Suites St Charles-St Louis, 1400 S 5th St, St Charles, MO 63301 (636) 949-0694, patel0876@gmail.com
Please note that historically this package did not include the first night accommodation, for 2024 and in this package your Sunday night accommodation (minus dinner) IS included.
If I fly how do I get to the host hotel?
Prices for ride hailing apps tend to fluctuate. You can pre-book a ride day(s)in advance of your arrival.
I’m a vegetarian. Is that a problem?
Not a problem. That said, vegetarian is the only other dietary option available.
Are non-riders welcome?
We welcome everyone. Non-riders will need to complete the same registration forms and pay the same fee as a rider. A non-rider will be part of every aspect of the tour except the riding if they so choose.
What if, for some reason, I cannot finish the biking day?
No problem. If you feel you cannot finish the day’s ride, our staff will assist you and your bike to get you to the ending location. No questions asked.
Alternatively, each evening before the next day’s ride we offered shortened mileage variants where we will move you forward and this way everyone ends at the same point.
What are past riders saying about the KATY Trail Bike Tour?
B.N.:
As I sat enjoying lunch at the ending location, I pondered, ‘what is the ONE thing I would change on this tour?’ To my surprise, I couldn’t come up with even one. Yes, it was just that perfect.
Jeff and Jan:
The KATY Trail tour was amazing! The scenery was beautiful, and the small number of riders allowed everyone to get to know each other and cheer each other on to the end of the trail. The historic hotels and B&Bs were charming and the small towns along the trail offered lots of things to see and do. The only negative was that 5 pound weight gain because the dinners were five star quality every night and as one of my fellow riders declared the SAG stops were ran by the Martha Stewart of SAG stops aka Snowflake!
S.M.:
The KATY Trail experience with Bubba’s Pampered Pedalers was incredible for me because I could never have done such a trip on my own. I do not have any local biking friends who would have considered such a feat. Your level of organization was “head and shoulders” above what I was expecting. Thank you so much for making it possible for me to say that I have biked across the KATY Trail!
G.S.:
I was fortunate to participate in the inaugural KATY Trail Tour with Bubba’s Pampered Pedalers, and I can confidently say that “pampered” perfectly describes how I felt the entire week! Each day kicked off with a hearty breakfast before we embarked on our journey to discover the day’s surprises. We encountered picturesque bluffs, the majestic Missouri River, charming old railroad bridges, and quaint small towns and farms along the way. SAG stops during the ride were strategically placed and always well-stocked. (After indulging in my peanut butter and honey pita at one SAG stop, my riding partner jokingly claimed it made me ride faster!)
After a satisfying day of cycling the KATY Trail, I eagerly anticipated a comfortable bed. To my delight, the accommodations exceeded my expectations. From the luxurious Ameristar Hotel in St Charles, MO, to the charming bed-and-breakfasts in Hermann, the exceptional historical Hotel Frederick in Boonville, and onward to the impressive Hotel Bothwell in Sedalia, the lodgings just kept improving. The evening dinners provided a laid-back atmosphere, allowing ample time to connect with fellow riders. Speaking of dinners, they were nothing short of amazing! Fortunately, my riding partner and I made different selections and graciously shared our meals. Throughout the ride, I had the pleasure of meeting wonderful individuals whom I now consider friends. Without a doubt, I’m already planning to ride the KATY Trail again with Bubba’s Pampered Pedalers!
L.T.:
Joining the KATY Trail Bicycle Tour with Bubba’s Pampered Pedalers was a game-changer! The scenic beauty, well-planned routes, and charming accommodations exceeded my expectations. From historic St. Charles to picturesque Clinton, every moment was a delight. The camaraderie among riders and the thoughtful organization made it an unforgettable experience. Highly recommend!